Martin Matthews's Blog

Ben Berwick – The Awakening

The powerful Chon’ith Empire has expanded rapidly and aggressively, conquering all in their path. Stubborn and dogmatic, the Chon’ith do not accept retreat, and for years their passionate approach to warfare has won them many battles - until they pick a fight with a clever, cunning enemy.

Superior Chief Seluban watches as his fleet torn is apart by the superior tactics and technology of their new foe and does the unthinkable - he retreats. Excommunicated and shamed, he is banished to Coward’s Forge, an inhospitable wasteland, but he knows time is against his Empire. Somehow he must unite a band of outcasts and lead them to revolution before everything he loves is destroyed - but will he destroy it from within first?

This month, we’re talking to author Ben Berwick and his novel The Awakening. Ben, welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

Salutations Martin, thank you for this opportunity for an interview :)

Tell us a little about yourself, Ben! We appear to have very similar backgrounds, I might add!

Where do I begin? I was born and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, which is a New Town just north of London. Whilst living with my parents, I found sci-fi - in particular Star Trek, which has been a huge influence on me - and Nintendo, which has led to a life-long appreciation of gaming (especially The Legend of Zelda series, which is as close to perfection as possible). Formula 1 has long been a love of mine (my boyhood hero was Nigel Mansell), and whilst Liverpool FC torment me a lot, I still love them.

In 2004, I met the woman who would go on to become my wife, and in 2007 I moved from Hertfordshire to Essex. I am very lucky; my wife shares a lot of the same passions, especially for Star Trek and Star Wars (though we often debate as to which is best!), and we have instilled our love of the quirky geeky stuff into our daughter too.

For many years I worked the office routine, but I found my calling via retail sales, which I am much better suited for than the regular 9-5 life. This isn't to say it's always been plain-sailing, but I find it quite satisfying.

Beyond all of that, I deem myself to be a slightly eccentric, yet loveable 40-something!

Excellent! Tell us a little about your book!

The Awakening is a sci-fi tale, rooted in an alien empire of dogmatic and deeply devout warriors. They have a strong sense of Manifest Destiny, and a complete assurance that their beliefs are righteous. Their fierce approach to warfare means retreat is unfathomable. When they encounter a powerful new enemy, some of these warriors suffer a crisis of faith.

Introduce us to some of your characters.

Seluban is a relatively young senior officer, a true believer, but not fully indoctrinated into the political machinations of power. He witnesses first-hand the power of this new enemy, and he becomes a scapegoat for much of the empire's failings, through no fault of his own. The twin motivations of revenge and saving his people drive him forward.

Ike'reth is the commander of imperial forces. He and his predecessors have become complacent, and concerned more with preserving their power and status. He holds rather rigidly to his culture's ideals.

Where did the idea for this book come from, Ben?

Originally, I was inspired a little by the orcs of Warhammer. I conceived in my head a bit of fan fiction, but as I know very little of Warhammer outside of the basics, I turned it into something else. I wanted to explore themes of fanaticism, and particularly how fanatics don't always know or believe they're fanatic. The role in which this can affect society was also of interest to me.

Is there a message behind your book? What is it?

I would like to think the story serves as a warning against extremism.

We could all do with a warning about that! Who or what are some of your biggest influences?:

Wow, there have been so many! As a kid, Roald Dahl's books were amazing. James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, The BFG, they were all captivating. As an adult, works from the likes of Peter F Hamilton (The Night's Dawn Trilogy expertly blended sci-fi and horror), David Weber's Honorverse, and the peppy works of John Scalzi have all been awesome reads.

What are you currently reading?

At the mo, I'm reading The Earthburst Saga, by Craig A. Falconer. I'm really enjoying it, it is an intense tale of not giving up in the face of incredible adversity, and all to return home to the people we love.

Are you working on another novel? Can you tell us anything about it?

I've got my second book - completely unrelated to The Awakening - ready for pre-order! Fontana & Istilor is a more personal tale, a story of being catapulted into a strange realm, and being changed by powerful forces. It's about finding one's self, whilst unravelling family secrets. Oh, there is also a sequel in development to The Awakening, which is getting towards the finish line. I'd like to add one thing to any aspiring writers out there. Enjoy what you write. If you find yourself falling in love with your own story, you'll be more enthused about continuing.

Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today, Ben!

Thank you so much for your time, it is greatly appreciated!

Ben Berwick was born in the 80s, but I consider myself to be a 90s child. He was formed by the likes of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Gargoyles, Duck Tales, and the likes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, among many other sci-fi tales. He absolutely love all things Lion King, and for his sins he is a fan of Liverpool FC. He grew up in Stevenage, which grants him a small claim to fame, as he grew up in the same town as Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton (alas, their paths never crossed). He now lives in Essex, with his wife and daughter.

Social Media And Book Purchase Links:

www.meerkatmusings.co.uk, https://twitter.com/BenBerwickGB, https://www.jumpmasterpress.com/product-page/the-awakening

ROBERT H. KONO — WESTWARD LIES THE SUN

Westward Lies The Sun

Greg Sonoda, a Japanese American attorney, embarks on a quest to determine what influence God has in his life. In the back of his mind is the question, first and foremost, of whether God exists at all. God is such an elusive concept to a humanist, who, from his earliest years, was made to question God's very existence-he suffered in the concentration camps for the duration of WWII-and he doubts his efforts will ever come to fruition. In Westward Lies the Sun, Greg's search for truth is given voice during the frequent debates with his poker foursome, although the late-night discussions produce more questions than answers. But they do serve to articulate thoughts and feelings about sundry issues such as the search for Greg's family heirloom: a samurai sword stolen during Greg's incarceration in the camps. More significantly, Greg is forced to ponder God's hand in his family's survival after being shipwrecked on a small, uninhabited Micronesian island. Greg and his family make several discoveries on the island that lead to financial success and miraculous physical healing. But will the island also heal Greg spiritually? The family sword-Onimaru-is ultimately used in a showdown on the island with Greg's quest for God, together with his mental and physical survival, hanging in the balance.

This week we’re speaking with Robert H. Kono, author of Westward Lies The Sun. Mr. Kono, welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

Thank you, Martin. It's a pleasure to be here.

It’s a pleasure for me, truly, Mr. Kono. Now, before we get into the book, tell my audience a little about yourself.

I’m a Sansei, a third-generation Japanese American born in LA and grew up there till I was nine-years-old. That I’m ninety-years-old and still writing, and my aim is to entertain, enlighten and inspire through my works.

90 years young! That amazing, and I am glad you’re still writing. Okay, the moment has come! Tell us a little about your book:

Westward Lies The Sun is about Greg Sonoda, a Japanese American attorney, embarks on a quest to determine what influence God has in his life.In the back of his mind is the question, first and foremost, of whether God exists at all. God is such an elusive concept to a humanist, who, from his earliest years, was made to question God's very existence-he suffered in the concentration camps for the duration of WWII-and he doubts his efforts will ever come to fruition. In Westward Lies the Sun, Greg's search for truth is given voice during the frequent debates with his poker foursome, although the late-night discussions produce more questions than answers. But they do serve to articulate thoughts and feelings about sundry issues such as the search for Greg's family heirloom: a samurai sword stolen during Greg's incarceration in the camps. More significantly, Greg is forced to ponder God's hand in his family's survival after being shipwrecked on a small, uninhabited Micronesian island. Greg and his family make several discoveries on the island that lead to financial success and miraculous physical healing. But will the island also heal Greg spiritually? The family sword-Onimaru-is ultimately used in a showdown on the island with Greg's quest for God, together with his mental and physical survival, hanging in the balance.

Is there a message behind your book? What is it?

It is that the search for God is a never-ending one and God is to be found within.

Who or what are some of your biggest influences?

Ernest Hemingway and Fydor Dostoevsky and their works greatly influenced me and determined the direction that my writing was to take.

Can you tell us what are you currently reading?

The Brothers Karamazov.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope the reader comes away from this book stimulated and inspired to seek God and an understanding of where he stands in relation to God.

Robert, thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today. It’s truly been a pleasure!

Thank you for your time, Martin.

Robert H. Kono

Born in 1932, Robert H. Kono was a boy of nine when he was evacuated and thrown into concentration camps for the duration of WWII. After the war in 1946, he repatriated to war-torn, postwar Japan with his parents as a young, displaced American lookalike outsider. He managed to return to the United States in 1959 to get married and complete his college education at the University of Washington where he earned his B.A. in English, Advanced Writing, and served as editor in chief of the campus literary magazine, Assay, after being elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He began to write in earnest after retirement to produce seven works of fiction to date, including a volume of short stories.

Social Media And Book Purchase Links: Social media
Facebook =https://www.facebook.com/RobertHKohno
Twitter = https://twitter.com/kono_robert

Purchase links
Amazon = https://www.amazon.com/Westward-Lies-Sun-Roberth-Kono/dp/1642588172/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=robert+kono&qid=1601323344&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=wrinaut08_writersandauthors-20&linkId=7012d43f0a6e8e86e89153b777fce5a3&language=en_US
Barnes and Noble = https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/westward-lies-the-sun-roberth-kono/1129984868?ean=9781642588170
Books a Million = https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Westward-Lies-Sun/Roberth-Kono/9781642588170?id=8009806985855
Indie Bound = https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781642588170

DR. BRITNEY CARUSO – BEYOND CARROTS

When the eye doctor is going blind, we really have a problem on our hands!

Believe it or not, this happened to me. I am an eye doctor who had perfect vision and a clean bill of health. Then, I was diagnosed with a potentially blinding eye disease at the age of thirty-five. I was given thirty days of sight when I took my vision's fate into my own hands.

I devised a plan to reverse my eye disease using nutrition and lifestyle changes. When I went to my eye specialist and found that my plan was successful, I knew that I wanted to become as informed as possible in the nutrition field. I become one of three optometrists in the nation with a Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and a Fellowship in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine. Now I feel compelled to share my knowledge with as many people as possible to help others save their vision.

In Beyond Carrots, I tell my story and share the emotions that go along with a diagnosis of possible blindness. It is amazing how the body is truly connected to the eyes. What happens to the body directly impacts your vision. So, regardless of whether or not you are experiencing a potential eye disease, Beyond Carrots can help better your health!

The causes of some of the most common eye diseases are discussed. You will find out how to reverse those diseases through simple lifestyle changes and how certain foods can impact eye health. To top it all off, the Beyond Carrots Plan puts it all together with a step-by-step plan to reversing eye disease. By following this plan, your eyes will not be the only area of your life that will benefit. Upon the completion of your Beyond Carrots journey, you feel better, think clearer, and improve your vision. So, let's get started!

This week we are talking with Dr. Britney Caruso, author of Beyond Carrtos! Welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

It's a pleasure to be here.

Well, before we delve into the book, tell us a little about yourself, Dr. Caruso.

I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago. I have always been a very hard worker. In fact, my second grade teacher told me that if I did not stop working so hard, I would burn out. Almost 40 years later, I am still running 100 mph. I am a single mother by choice with a boy who means the world to me.

Tell us a little about your new book, which I’m really excited about, because I have struggled with dry-eye for years now, and I want to learn more about nutrition-based eye care.

I am an eye doctor who was predicted to go blind. I was able to reverse my potentially blinding eye disease using lifestyle and nutrition. When I discovered the powerful effect that diet and lifestyle can have on the eyes, I felt compelled to put my knowledge on paper. This resulted in the publication of Beyond Carrots. The message I want my readers to grasp is Everything you do to your body or put in your body affects your eyes.

Where did the idea for this book come from?

I draw my inspiration from my heart and I try to be genuine in my actions and my words. When I went to the doctor and saw that the diet and lifestyle plan that I devised reversed my eye disease, I knew that I would be an author.

By writing this book, I hope to unveil the importance of getting a complete eye exam every year. Many people do not realize that a clean bill of health does not always translate to healthy eyes. Eye disease can happen to anyone at any time. I am your Exhibit “A”.

Who or what are some of your biggest influences?

I absolutely LOVE the 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. I have adopted most of his protocols in my life.

What are you currently reading?

The Message by Eugene H. Peterson

Nice! Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us anything about it?

My next project is to create an online course to supplement my book.

That sounds like a great plan!
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?

I am a full time doctor and I have two Target Optical practices. One of my offices is the busiest Target Optical in America. I have the best group of doctors and technicians and I absolutely love working at Target Optical. My patients are like family to me. I am truly blessed. I am also a single mother to a loving, sweet, little boy who showers me with hugs every day. My family is very important to me and I love my time with them. My mom is my best friend and we shop til we drop finding the best deals. I also love my workouts with resistance training, swimming, and yoga.

Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today Dr. Caruso! It’s been a pleasure!

Thank you for your time, Martin.

Dr Britney Caruso

I am an eye doctor who was projected to go blind. I found my own eye disease and reversed my eye disease using the power of nutrition and lifestyle. When I found the powerful effect that diet and lifestyle can have on your eyes, I got the highest level of certification in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and wrote the book, Beyond Carrots.

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/drbritneycaruso
Twitter = https://twitter.com/DrBritneyCaruso
Pinterest = https://www.pinterest.ph/britneymariecaruso/
Linkedin = https://www.linkedin.com/in/britneycaruso/
Instagram =https://www.instagram.com/drbritneycaruso/

Book Purchase links
Amazon = https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Carrots-Eye-disease-happen/dp/B0B27TX4WK
Barnes and Noble = https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beyond-carrots-dr-britney-caruso/1141488098

Joshua Martin – Devil's Hollow

Devil’s Hollow

John Larson is a broken man. Living in his car, he spends his days drinking himself to death until he receives a haunting text from his mother, and his world is turned upside down. Heading back to his hometown of Devil's Hollow, John finds himself enveloped in mystery. The quiet bucolic town he knew as a child has been overrun by The Dominion and its enigmatic cult leader Sashara Teed. John must battle both his internal demons and the evil plans of The Dominion to save his family, Devil's Hollow, and maybe even humanity as he knows it.

Hi Joshua, welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

Hey! Thanks for having me. It's great to be here.

Well, we’re going to talk about your novel, Devil’s Hollow, today, but before we get to that, let’s get to know you a bit, shall we?

Yeah. I guess I've always been writing and circling around the horror genre for a long time. I used to run a horror film review website and I've written, under various by-lines for a number of B-Level horror websites. i kicked some screenplays around that I'd written for a few years, including a rather awesome remake of The Serpent and the Rainbow, but couldn't really get the traction I wanted. After plugging away at that for a few years, I just sat down one day with an open word document and started typing. A year, and many late nights later, DEVIL'S HOLLOW was born.

That’s a great segue into the book itself, so let’s continue there. Devil’s Hollow: what is it about?

I hesitate to shove it into a particular genre. I guess, broadly, it's a horror novel. I like to think of it as character-driven terror, but we can roll with horror. DEVIL'S HOLLOW is really my swing at Stephen King's 'SALEM'S LOT. A man in his early 30s returns to his hometown to find that things aren't as they seem. In King's book it's vampires, in DEVIL'S HOLLOW an end of days cult has infiltrated the town and are leading it and its residents to certain doom.

Tell us a little about some of your characters.

Good question. There are a couple of different main characters. John Larson is the prototypical reluctant hero. Broken by the choices he's made in his life, he crawls back to his hometown seeking a safety net that has been largely absent over the last 20 years. While there he uncovers that The Dominion, a real wrath of God type cult has wormed its way into almost every aspect of life in The Hollow. When his father goes missing, John suspects foul play from The Dominion. Through a process of honesty, healing, and heartbreak he reunites with his closest high school friends to unravel the multi-layered mystery of the cult and the small town

Sounds cool. Where did the idea for this book come from?

I grew up in one of these typical small northeast towns. It was, and still is, one of those places where everyone puts on their best faces as soon as they step foot out the door. But there is an undercurrent that flows through these types of places. An undercurrent of fear, of hate, of this not in my back yard thinking towards outsiders. Couple that with some wretched experiences I had as a teenager watching what organized religion can do to people and voila! DEVIL'S HOLLOW was born.

Is there a message behind your book? What is it?

That's really open to the reader. For me, while writing it? John, the protagonist is a major practicing alcoholic. For myself someone who has dealt with that issue in my family and personally, it was kind of cathartic. He finds his way through. It's a positive message. He starts off homeless living in his car, living to drink, and by the end he's sober, in love, and has an actual future he's excited about.

Well, tell us about some of your influences.

I mean, the answer is always Stephen King. Like I said earlier 'SALEM'S LOT has its fingerprints all over DEVIL'S HOLLOW. I am inspired by words. George Carlin is one of "my guys." Warren Zevon is one of "my guys." They are gentlemen who could take an everyday situation and make it either horrific, hilarious, or sarcastic...or all three at once. Zevon's "Excitable Boy" is an absolutely brilliant song. Here is this song, it comes on it sounds like The Eagles, Jackson Browne, that whole 70's Southern California thing...but then you listen to the lyrics.

What are you currently reading?

I just started reading The Silence of the Lambs. Red Dragon is an unbelievable book, and I'd been putting off reading this one because the film is so iconic. I wanted to get it out of my head, as much as possible, before I started it. It's one of my favorite films ever, so it was tough, but I think I've separated myself from the film enough to enjoy the book on its own merits.

Are you working on another novel? Can you tell us anything about it?:

Well, last month I released a collection of short stories I've collected through the years called GHOSTS FROM THE RUINS. You can pick that up now. It's just some writing exercises, you know..."Can I write this kind of story." I'll let the readers be the judge of that.

My next novel proper is tentatively called ALL THE BODIES. It's got more of a true crime/serial killer bent. Look for that early next year if all goes well.

Well, it’s been great talking to Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today, Joshua.

Hey, this was awesome. I'll have to come back and do this again for the next one. Thanks so much for having me. Take care.

Joshua Martin

lives with his wife and two daughters. His debut novel, DEVIL'S HOLLOW is available now!

Twitter - @jmartinwriting, Instagram - @joshuamartinauthor

CHAITALI NATH – TO YOU

To You

A book about love, loss, and healing. To You, takes you on a journey through the life you've already lived, showing you what you always oversaw, making you feel what you could never find the time or space to completely feel and making you the individual you were always meant to be. No matter who you may be, where you may be, and how you might feel at this point of time, the book is just a letter to you, from you, by someone who's just like you.

Chaitali Nath, welcome back to Martin Matthews Writes!

Hi again Martin. It's great to be back! I remember asking you to meet me when my second book released, and look at it happening!

It had to happen! Remind us a little bit of who you are, Chaitali.

I'm a young lady of 19, the daughter of two brilliant doctors, Dr. Paras Nath and Dr. Anupam Nath Gupta, the elder sister of an intelligent brother, Shubham Nath. Educationally, I'm currently a medical student at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata. Before this, I did my schooling from Delhi Public School, Siliguri. In my own words, I'm a passionate paradox. I've written two books till date. The first one is named Soul Spoken, it released in 2018 when I was still in school. The second one is named To You, which released on the 22nd of June, 2022.

Awesome. Tell us a little about your new book!

It's a poetry collection that talks about love, loss and healing. These are three things that keep going on in our everyday lives, yet we seem to oversee them, in some measure, atleast. This book aims to bring you back to those moments which you might've been overlooked and hold you close when you want someone to.

Tell us a little about your themes.

It's about 6 ideas, who have been named: 1. The one I love/The one who loves me 2. The one not meant to be 3. The one I lost and loved 4. The one who loved but couldn’t understand me 5. The poet I loved 6. To my younger self

Where did the idea for this book come from?

Like the first one, I wasn't aware I was writing a book. I was writing poetry. It was much later that it became a book. The idea that brought together the book was that it was Sushant's, Sushant Singh Rajput, that is, it was his dream to write a book, and I want to fulfill his dreams. He is the reason I live my dreams.

Is there a message behind your book? What is it?

It is that one is not alone in feeling what we feel. The book aims to be that friend you can open up to, the one who gets you, the one who holds you close, the silent hug, the quiet understanding. Because that's what we all need in this age and time.

That’s a comforting message! Who or what are some of your biggest influences?

There are many people who have influenced me, but more than the others, it's been my parents, my brother, Urvashi and Sushant.

What are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading Physics of the Soul.

Are you working on another book? Can you tell us anything about it?

I'm working on a couple of projects right now, but it's hard to disclose anything right now.

Why Sushant? Would you also, at some point in time, like Sushant did, leave your studies to join Bollywood?

Objectively, even I don't know. But it feels like a calling from the within. *laughs* I have no such intentions, at least as of right now. Where the future takes us, is a different question altogether.

Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today, Chaitali!

Thank you for having me again, Martin. It was a pleasure. I hope to see you again!

Chaitali Nath

is an Indian author. She had written her first book, Soul Spoken, at the age of 16, which released in 2018, while she was a student at Delhi Public School, Siliguri. Now 19, and currently a student at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, To You is her second release. In her own words, she is a very simple woman, yet a paradox. She is a woman who values integrity, loyalty and punctuality in the highest sense. She enjoys reading, learning and listening to music. A courageous and curious human, she tries to find beauty in whatever life may be able to offer.

Author links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaitalinath/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ChaitaliNath14

TO YOU It is currently available on the following platforms: *India:* Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/dp/1636405975 WFP Store: https://store.whitefalconpublishing.com/products/to-you

Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/to-you/p/itm87bdd6e1f65db?pid=9781636405971

*International Links:*

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636405975

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-you-chaitali-nath/1141702384 UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1636405975 Denmark: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1636405975

Brazil: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/1636405975

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1636405975

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1636405975

India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/1636405975

Mexico: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/1636405975

Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/1636405975

Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/1636405975

Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/1636405975

Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/1636405975

Carolyn Watson Dubisch – The Dragon In The Closet

The Dragon In The Closet

Dragon has left the closet and can finally see the sky. Now he’s flying north to help Orin face his monsters and defeat his family curse. A big storm and terrifying monsters like Orin and Dragon have never seen await them both. Will his Nana find them in time to save them from these horrors? The Dragon in The Closet is a thrilling comic book series for kids full of magic and mystery.

I want to welcome Carolyn Watson Dubisch, who had a new children’s book coming out. Carolyn, welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

Thank you Martin, thrilled to join you here.

Before we get into the new book, tell us a little about yourself

I'm an artist and a writer, originally from New York. Currently, I live in Mazatlán, Mexico where the ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. We moved here about six months before the pandemic, so we've spent all the COVID years here in Mexico. Which has been different than I think it was for my friends in States. I have spent more time at home these last few years. I often created art for festivals and events but much of that has shifted now. I am the creator of four comic book series, two of which are ongoing, I write and draw children's books in my studio, and sculpt masks—for Halloween and theater—that I sell online. We live about a block and a half from the Pacific Ocean here, and Mazatlán is famous for Carnaval, which we attended just before everything shut down a couple of years ago. Right now it's mango season and our tree is filling our backyard with mangoes everywhere. It's hard for just my daughter, my husband, and me to keep up. We are just about a week or two from the rainy season here, which means big, sometimes dangerous storms.

That’s incredible! What an exciting place to live. Okay, so tell us a little about your latest book.

My new book is called "The Dragon in The Closet. Dragon's Journey, Issue #3". It's the third installment of my kid's comic book series "The Dragon in The Closet". Orin Bean, a young boy, has terrible luck and a problem with monsters. Also, his Nana seems to be a powerful witch, but he's really a perfectly normal boy who just happens to have a dragon in the closet. What kid wouldn't want that? In this installment, Dragon has left the closet and can finally see the sky. Now he’s flying north to help Orin face his monsters and defeat his family curse. A big storm and terrifying monsters like Orin and Dragon have never seen await them both. Will his Nana find them in time to save them from these horrors? It's a fantasy adventure in a fairytale world for kids ages seven to eleven. The complete story arch is a coming-of-age story as Orin becomes more independent and realizes his own power to stand against the monsters that are out to destroy him. Much in the vein of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. The comic series is also a webcomic on ComicFury and has weekly updates.

Tell us a little bit about your characters.

Orin Bean is an orphan living with his Nana -his mother's sister. His parents were killed by Dragons in an attempt to steal a dragon egg. He lives with a terrifying curse passed down from his Grandfather, Jack. When Jack climbed the beanstalk to the giant's kingdom and robbed them he brought this curse to every generation of his family. Orin is the last of the Beans. The rest were all killed by monsters. He suffers from a great deal of anxiety and some PTSD from constant monster attacks. Dragon was kidnapped as an egg by Orin's parents -their last act before death. He was delivered to Nana's doorstep. He is an Oracle Dragon, which is very rare. He can see possible futures and was kept in a closet from his time of hatching by Nana, who used him to predict monster attacks. Dragon has become friends with Orin against all odds and has decided to bring Orin north to try to break his curse. He is also deeply afraid and angry with Nana, who kept him a prisoner in her basement. Nana is a powerful witch and a babysitter turned parent of Orin when her sister and brother-in-law got themselves killed. She knows she is out of her depth. She is overwhelmed with constant battles to save Orin from doom and is extremely protective of Orin, but has not been kind to Dragon. Her main motivation is to keep Orin safe, no matter the cost. Lucy is Orin's only friend. The other children are very afraid of him because bad things happen whenever Orin is around. Lucy is a very lucky little girl, having been kissed by a fairy godmother at birth. She's also very skilled at appearing in other people's dreams and seems to have a bit of a problem with kleptomania. She's quite a happy child and wins every contest she's ever entered and never has had anything very bad happen to her. Even as a friend of Orin she walks away without a scratch every time. She has an adventurous spirit, mainly because she never feels she's in much danger.

Where did the idea for this book come from?

I came up with the story for "The Dragon in The Closet" during a dark time with my daughter who suffers from suicidal ideation. She was so bad they were recommending she be hospitalized but we couldn't afford it and our insurance covered almost nothing. The character, Nana, is what I wish I was. Someone who could see the monsters and had the tools to protect their child. As the story unfolded I began to realize that the main antagonist was his Nana. She held Orin in place physically and emotionally and she of course was Dragon's antagonist. The next few issues will be getting quite interesting.

Whew, that is an incredible story.

Is there a message behind your book? What is it?:

I suppose the overall story is about facing your demons. This book is a true adventure story and the first time Orin is away from his Nana and away from her protection. I like to create stories that spark a child's imagination and bring them into a world where anything can happen. I also like to weave classic fairytale tropes into the story. In this book, Nana and Lucy find a candy house in the forest.

Tell us who or what are some of your biggest influences?

The Sister's Grimm series by Mishael Buckley is a big influence on this story. Other creators that inspire me are Ed Gorey, Don Kenn Mortenson, and of course the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books by Lemony Snicket—aka Daniel Handler.

What are you currently reading?

Right now I am reading "Binti" by Nnedi Okorafor. I read her other book "Akata Witch" which was brilliant and engaging and decided to try this one which is more sci-fi. So far it's great, but honestly really gorey. Everyone onboard her spaceship was just slaughtered. It's very intense. I have high hopes as this book has won many awards.

Are you working on another novel? Can you tell us anything about it?

I am currently working on a wordless book for kids called "Alien Farm, scary stories for kids" which will be a series of books. This first one is about an alien invasion. I also have another comic book series called "After The Robots Died". The first issue of that will be out by autumn. The main concept behind "After the Robots Died" is below. Arriving as embryos and raised by robots, a colony of children on a distant planet struggles to survive when all the robots begin to shut down.

That’s a real cool concept!

Can you tell me more about "The Dragon in The Closet" the webcomic?

Sure, it runs on a website called Comic Fury. The URL is TheDragoninTheCloset.thecomicseries.com I add new pages each week. Right now the schedule is every Saturday morning a new page posts but since I schedule about a year ahead of when it actually goes up I changed the posting schedule. Starting in August the comic will have new updates twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you join the site and become a follower you can comment and interact as the story unfolds. Do you have an idea of where the story for issue #4 will go? Oh, yes, I have written issue #4 and started drawing it already. Still, it will take me another year to get all of the art completed. Exciting developments though, but I'm not giving anything away.

Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today, Carolyn!

Thank you so much. I would love to catch up again sometime, have a great summer.

Carolyn Watson Dubisch

is the author/illustrator of fifteen children's books and llustrator of four children's books with various authors. She also writes and illustrates award-winning comics for kids. Some of her comic book series include "The People That Melt in The Rain", "The Horribles" and "The Dragon in The Closet". She also wrote for the Examiner as the Artisan and Crafts reporter in San Diego, California, and cohosted "Art of The Red River" on Red River Radio interviewing artists from all walks of life. She currently lives in a house by the beach in Mazatlán, Mexico with her husband, world-famous fantasy artist, Mike Dubisch, and her youngest daughter, Naomi. She also has a very old dog and four Mexican street cats who make life interesting every day.

Emuthi Sagar: Anubhuti Mur Hridoy Spondonor (THE FEELING OF MY BEATING HEART ) — TANUPRIYA KALITA

Tanupriya Kalita (born. 1988) is an assamese singer turned poet. She is daughter of Subhash Kalita and Mamata Chodhury. Her assamese songs are broadcasted by digital radios from Japan, USA, UK, Norway etc. Her musical talent is well appreciated and documented in books and doctoral thesis. Once Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika appreciated her musical talent in a live musical concert as well as her voice was appreciated by british musician steve benham on a radio broadcast. Tanupriya Kalita released two assamese hit songs in 2021 and one of which was nominated in DJooky Music Award in continental round. She has been nominated for Women of Inspiration Award by Universal Women Network, Canada under Cultural Ambassador Award looking into her well documented musical talents. She is not only a good singer but also a poet. She published many poems and articles for magazines and news papers. Recently she published her poetry book "Emuthi Sagar" by notion press which is available on all major online portals and globally distributed by Barnes and Nobles, Baker and Taylor and Apple Books.

Book Release Date: Notion Press; 1st edition (24 September 2021)

Welcome to Martin Matthews Writes! This week, I have the honor of talking with poet, singer, and author Tanupriya Kalita. Tanupriya, welcome!

Thanks, Martin. It's a great honour and privilege to take part in this interview.

Great to have you. Well, as always please let us know a little about who you are and your background.

My name is Tanupriya Kalita. I am from Assam, India. I write in the poetry as well as fiction genre. I am a graduate in arts and music. You know Martin, from my childhood I was attracted to cultural domain like poetry and music. I started writing from my early school days as well as I started doing live musical concerts and stage shows.

My parents inspired and motivated me a lot in every aspect.

Tell us a little about your book.

"Emuthi Sagar - Anubhuti Mur Hridoy Spondonor" is my first book published by Notion Press, Chennai. The book is written in Assamese Language. "Emuthi Sagar" means, a handful of oacen. Life is like an ocean, but we can hold only a handful of it. Isn't it? This book consists of 25 poems and 24 quotes. All poems which I have included in my book were written long ago, but was scattered. Then I realized to compile all of them in the form of book.

Emuthi Sagar is a collection of poetry which based on real stories if human lives, emotions, faith along with expression emotion of a famous indian mythological character Karna in Mahabharata.

Where did the idea for this book come from?

 Well, I was inclined to writing and reciting poems from my childhood. I got a prize for recitation in my childhood when I was only 3 years old.
To be more specific to question, I was inspired by my mother Smt. Mamata Choudhury.

I get inspired to write when any incident touch my heart. My pen transforms the memories and images of those incidents into letters.

Is there a message behind your book? What is it?

There are so many messages i wanted to deliver through Emuthi Sagar. Message of love, respect and harmony and last but not the least the bitter truth of human life.

Who or what are some of your biggest influences?

 I am influenced, rather you can say inspired by greatest assamese poets and novelists like Birendra Kumar Battacharya, Dr. Mamoni Roysom Goswami, Homen Borgohain, Partha Chattopadhyay and Chandra Prasad Saikia

What are you currently reading? Do you have any favorite books?

Yes, Infact I have many favorite books "Mrityunjoy" written by Gyanpeeth Award Winner Birendra Kumar Battacharya, "Dotal Hatir Ui E Khoa Hawda" by Dr. Mamoni Roysom Goswami and all books of Homen Borgohain and Partha Chattopadhyay are my favourite book. 

Right now, I am reading an assamese novel, maharathi written by Chandra Prasad Saikia

Are you working on another novel? Can you tell us anything about it?

Yes, Martin. I am working on my next book, which can be a collection of short stories also.

Describe your writing process? Is there anything unique about it?

Well, that is a pretty tough question to answer. To be honest, I do not follow any process, I write whenever I get emotional. Whenever some feelings, thoughts come to my mind, i just note down on a piece of paper. The main uniqueness about my writing can better be described by my readers. I just express my emotions and thoughts, in the form of poem. Ofcourse, I write more on real things, irony about human life.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

Answer: I like singing, gardening and cooking etc while I do not write books. 

Full-time job, pets, hobbies?

One of the hobby or passion is singing. I sing from my childhood. I sung in many stage shows, live concerts and got appreciated by Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika for my singing. In addition to that, in the year 2021, I released two melody songs, which were digitally distributed in all major music platform as well as got radio broadcasted from Japan, UK and Norway. 

What do you want potential readers to know about you?

Well, for my potential readers, I would like to say that, please go through my writings and give your valuable opinion. I write from my heart, I write whenever I get emotional. Whenever some feelings, thoughts come to my mind, i just note down on a piece of paper. The main uniqueness about my writing can better be described by my readers. I just express my emotions and thoughts, in the form of poem. Ofcourse, I write more on real things, irony about human life.

We have come to know that you have been nominated for Women of Inspiration award by Universal Womens Network, Canada. Congratulations for that. Our readers would like to know, how your book Emuthi Sagar helped you to get nominated? or there are other factors too.

Well Martin, to be very frank. The award nomination I received for both singing and writing. I have been nominated for Cultural Ambassador category. So both my book as well as my songs are responsible for this nomination.

That is wonderful, Tanupriya! I truly hope you continue to find success in your art. Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today!

Thank you so much martin. I hope to talk to you soon about my next book.

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TANUPRIYA KALITA

Book Purchase Link

https://store.pothi.com/book/tanupriya-kalita-emuthi-sagar/

https://www.amazon.in/Emuthi-Sagar-Se...

https://www.flipkart.com/emuthi-sagar/p/itm544736481393e

https://www.kobo.com/in/en/ebook/xUu5uxLA5D-nH7dxDGnvqQ

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1604439786

https://shop.vivlio.com/product/9798201470265_9798201470265_10020

https://books2read.com/u/mYyxNY

A HOME FOR THE WINDSWEPT — KARRI L. MOSER

A HOME FOR THE WINDSWEPT

Great Northern Paper Mill is the lifeblood of Winsockette, Maine until the tech boom and recession of 2008 cause the mill's closure. This leaves Darcy and Basil Sullivan scrambling to support their growing family.

When Basil is drunkenly desperate, a news report about a devastating tornado ravaging small town Nebraska changes everything. This sparks an idea. Basil believes Man's greed has taken everything from them, and God's wrath will provide if they move to Nebraska to rebuild tornado damage.

As they begin a cross-country journey that tests their resolve and resourcefulness, a pregnant Darcy is torn between following the love of her life or fleeing back to Maine. She fears his breakthrough is really a breakdown. Basil, who sees his quest as a calling from God, begins to realize moving his family to tornado alley to profit from the loss of others could be what rips them apart forever.

This week brings us an author from one of my favorite states, Maine. Karri Moser, welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

Thank you so much. I'm really grateful for the chance to talk about my book, A Home for the Windswept.

Well, before we get to the book, which I’m excited to talk about, tell us a little about yourself!

I have been focusing on my fiction the last five or so years after finishing my first novel in 2015. I spent years as a news reporter and freelance writer working for many different outlets and companies. That was a convenient career choice when my husband was active duty Army and my kids were growing up. I could work continuously and from anywhere as we made several moves. 

In my free time lately, I have been teaching a creative writing course for several adult education programs in Maine and plan to expand my course and teaching opportunities. I love helping aspiring writers get motivated to write their own books. 

Besides writing, reading and teaching about writing, I love to run and have done a few half-marathons, garden, snow shoe, bum along the beaches of Maine, explore the woods, and generally be outdoors in any capacity. Most of my ideas come from time spent outside, which I'm sure is true for many other writers. 
While we moved around to several states during our Army family years, we have settled in Maine for the time being, but plan to move again in a few years. I'm not sure we will even put down roots in one town or place forever. But for now, we enjoy life in Southern Maine with our 2 dogs, our ever-expanding garden, and any time spent exploring our little patch of Maine woods just like Henry David Thoreau.

My in-laws live in Port-Clyde, Maine. It’s beautiful! Okay, so tell us a little about your book.

A Home for the Windswept, and my three previous novels, is considered women's fiction aimed toward two groups really--women who enjoy stories about women persevering under harsh circumstances and those who enjoy regional fiction. Setting plays a strong role in my previous works set in Maine and those works have been successful as regional and tourists reads in coastal bookstores, beach shops, and other locations along the coast. 

My latest, A Home for the Windswept begins in Maine and takes the reader on a cross-country journey to Nebraska. I consider it a retelling of the same themes in The Grapes of Wrath. It begins in 2008 in a small paper mill town that is shuttered by the recession and the tech boom. Much like The Grapes of Wrath, the family loses everything through no fault of their own and sets out to find a new life, a new means of survival. For my family, a young couple with their third child on the way, that means of survival is to move to Nebraska to rebuild tornado damage. Basil, the husband, is convinced man's greed and technology took away everything they worked for, so God's wrath in the form of tornadoes will now provide. The wife, Darcy, ultimately struggles with the idea of profiting off the destruction and pain of others and she naturally worries if her husband's 'breakthrough' is actually a 'breakdown'. It is a mix of both a 'man versus society' and a 'man versus nature' tale.

Wow, heavy stuff! I really like the Grapes of Wrath connection. Can you tell us about some of your characters?

My main characters are Darcy and Basil Sullivan. They are 23 years old and expecting their third child. Darcy got pregnant in high school and this 'slip up' was the beginning of their little family. The unexpected pregnancy throws Darcy's college plans out the window and the couple accepts their fate--a paper mill family just like their parents and grandparents before them. They are honest, responsible and a hard working couple who has to adapt to a changing world whether they want to or not. Their love and resolve to make it on their own is what carries them through as they set out to make a new life a thousand miles away.

Where did the idea for this book come from?

I imagined the characters first and the town came afterwards. Having lived in Maine for a while and having spent my teen years in a small town in Pennsylvania, I knew full well what happens to towns like that when industries leave or opportunities dry up. I also loved the idea of these two beating the odds, teen pregnancy be damned, and creating a life for their little family. It can ultimately also be seen as a love story between Darcy and Basil Sullivan as much as a journey and story of perseverance.

What are some of the idea and themes behind A Home for the Windswept?

I think a greater theme or message of this book would be the power of adapting. As a military wife and an Army brat, my dad also retired from the Army, being adaptable is a must. Making a new place a home, being able to leave others behind and moving to the unknown, those are underlying themes in this book as well as in my life. Adapt and you can persevere I guess would be the message.

Adaptation, yes. Quite important in our current pandemic-world. Can you tell us who or what are some of your biggest influences in your writing?

I have a lot of authors I love, including the greats of New England--Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott, Hawthorne, and others. Current writers I find influential include Jeanette Walls, Kristin Hannah, Celeste Ng, Khaled Hosseini and others who write about complex childhoods and families. I think my attraction to those themes started when I read William Faulkner's The Sound the the Fury, one of my all-time favorite books. It changed my life, quite frankly.

And what are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls and so far it's lovely as I'm a quarter of the way through it. I love that time period--the 1940s. I love the easy style of her writing and it just flows flawlessly.

Are you working on another novel? Can you tell us anything about it?

Yes, my fifth novel is coming along. It will be my first that incorporates my childhood and adulthood living on Army posts. My main character is the daughter of a soldier who then falls in love and marries a soldier. That fact is the only autobiographical part of her story however. The rest is fiction.

How has the pandemic affected your writing life?

The pandemic led to a complete freeze of creativity. I found it impossible to write anything new for months. I spent my time, like many others, worrying about my loved ones, watching the news, and just unable to foster any new ideas despite having my main character in my head. She simply did nothing for months. It wasn't until I was able to travel again, leaving New England for the first time since it began, that new ideas started flowing. I visited my daughter in Nashville for a week in December. Lounging on her couch, not working, not worrying about anything else, and just being in a new setting seemed to turn on the faucet. My main character's story started to unfold, come to life, and has been flowing from my fingertips since.

I am sure many have gone through something similar. I wonder if there will be a post-pandemic flurry of publishing? Anyway, Karri, that just about raps it up for this interview. Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today!

Thank you so much. I hope to talk to you about my next novel soon.

Karri L. Moser

is a fiction and freelance writer. She has written for magazines, newspapers, the U.S. Army, as well as marketing firms and other organizations. Karri has also ghostwritten fiction in the romance and self-help genre.

As an Army wife and daughter, she has lived in several regions of the United States, which has provided an overflowing well of stories, settings, and characters for her fiction.

Karri currently lives and works in Maine. She draws inspiration from the small coastal tourist towns, beaches, and the unique history and culture of New England. When Karri isn't writing, she loves to run, paint, garden, and tour around New England, all with a hot hazelnut coffee in her hand

WHERE CROWS LAND - PAUL MCCRACKEN

Former detective, Joseph Carter, sets out to gain redemption from the consequences of an old case that cost him everything.

Carter is still haunted by the murders of his niece and brother-in-law at the hands of a serial killer he was trying to track down. One year on, the killer has returned and Carter, now a disgraced detective gone private, launches a personal vendetta to catch him this time around.

Published by The Conrad Press

This week we are talking with Paul McCracken (what a crackin’ name!) and discussing his book Where Crows Land, a detective thriller set in Belfast. Paul, a warm welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

Thanks, Martin. It's great to take part in this.

Great to have you with us, Paul. As always, I’d like to get to know you a bit before we talk about your book. So, tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Paul McCracken. I am 30 years old and from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I write in the crime fiction genre, with all of my books based in my native Northern Ireland.

Nice. So, okay, tell us a little about Where Crows Land. 

Where Crows Land is a detective/serial killer thriller set in Northern Ireland. It follows Joseph Carter, a disgraced detective gone private after failing to save his neice and brother-in-law from the killer he was tasked with tracking down.

One year on, the killer has raised their head again and Carter launches a personal vendetta to bring them down this time.

Originally when writing it, this book was meant to be a stand alone story. But after I finished it, I got straight to work in writing the sequel (which I have just finished).

Stories can do that! So every great detective novel needs a great detective. Tell us about your guy?

Joseph Carter is a detective that was trying to gain the respect of his peers before going rogue in an attempt to save his niece alongside his brother-in-law with dire consequences. One year on, Carter had turned to private investigations as a way of earning a living but when the killer raises their heads again, Carter is encouraged by all of those around him to take on the case.

So where did the idea for this story come from?

I've always wanted to tackle a detective story in my own way. So I eventually gave into the idea and came up with a story that I felt suited my taste and style.

Can you tell us about some of your biggest influences?

Writers:
Dennis Lehane
Ricard Laymon
Thomas Harris

Directors:
Michael Mann
David Fincher
Christopher Nolan

Music can play a big part in finding inspiration. With certain songs or instrumentals, I am able to create a kind of trailer for the story in my head and how I would see it play out. It also helps to set the mood and tone when getting into the mindset to write.

Books and films are my other two massive influences. When I write, I tend to focus on it as a more visual experience. I need to know what every scene looks like, what it feels like. Books are great in the sense of gradually building that up as films are more of a direct and immediate representation.

It sounds like we write in a very similar way. I am exactly like that with my own writing. I’ve been called a ‘storyboard’ writer for that reason, because each scene is so visual, like a movie. Anyway, enough about me, what are you currently reading?

A State of Denial by Iain Kelly.

Only a couple of chapters deep, but I really liked book 1 (this is book 2 of the State trilogy). Definitely picking up where it last left off and showing great promise so far.

Nice. And speaking of sequels, are you working on another novel? Can you tell us anything about it?

My third book, The Last Rains Of Winter is due to be published soon by PM Books.

I have also just finished my fourth book which I am currently submitting.

Well, Paul, it’s been great getting to know you. Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today and sharing a little about your latest published work, Where Crows Land. I Hope we can chat again soon!

Thanks for having me, and a thank you to all of those who have read any of my books so far. It means a lot especially when I hear back that they enjoyed one of my books. It's a great feeling as an author.

Northern Irish novelist, Paul McCracken was born 16th January 1991 in the Ulster hospital, Dundonald, just outside of Belfast. He grew up in the Castlereagh area of east Belfast where he also went to school.

Ever since he could hold a pencil, he wanted to be an artist and no-one, not even the school career advisor could tell him otherwise. He left education with only three GCSE’s and an Art diploma. He tried to make it as a fine artist whilst also trying to find any work to support himself financially. However, the more he learned about the commercial art world, the more he wanted no part in it.

In spring 2011, he enrolled in a five day film making course through the Prince’s Trust charity. He always had a passion for storytelling. During the course, he impressed the owner of the studio at which the course was being held, through the raw creativity he displayed. The studio owner was the first to encourage Paul to write his own material, that material being screenplays. After leaving the course with new found confidence and ambition, Paul started to learn the craft of screenwriting and got to work writing his very first feature film.

After securing full time work later that year, he found a renewed inspiration to write again and wrote a full length film script in the space of a week. Paul kept on writing other projects as well as continually editing the first script, but he kept the fact he was writing close to himself as he didn’t want to face any negativity if he were to tell anyone. The script would go on to score highly in an international screenplay competition, based out of Los Angeles. It would then place in the quarter-finals of the same competition for the next two years in a row, accompanied by another screenplay that Paul wrote next.

Years later, after entering competitions, pitching, submitting and doing some occasional freelance scriptwriting, Paul wanted to find a way to get his work into the public eye. Writing a novel was a challenge that seemed daunting but also exciting. Having first thought of converting his best script into a novel, he decided to come up with a completely original story.

In 2018, he self published his debut novel, Layla's Song.

In 2020 he secured two book deals with two different English publishers. The Conrad Press and PM Books (Imprint of Holland House Books). The first of these books was Where Crows Land, a detective thriller set in Belfast and published by The Conrad Press.

His other novel, The Last Rains Of Winter is due out early 2021 with PM Books.

SOUL SPOKEN — CHAITALI NATH

SOUL SPOKEN — CHAITALI NATH

Adolescence is that time period of person’s life where he/she is generally interpreted as a confused adult or an overgrown child; though this is the ‘misinterpretation’ that needs to be subsided. Teenage is a completely different phase of life – an intermediate between the other two. A person develops in all areas during this phase. A teenager is a different kind of individual – unique and distinctive with intense emotions about all aspects of life, be it love, parents, education, friends or life in general.

This week we’re chatting with Chaitali Nath and talking about her book Soul Spoken. Chaitali, welcome to Martin Matthews Writes!

Thank you for having me!

Tell us a little about yourself first.

I am a young girl of 18. It's been a dream to be an author since I knew how to dream, and it's so beautiful to live that dream. I'm a student of CMSDH, Kolkata, pursuing MBBS from there. Before that, I was in Delhi Public School, Siliguri. It's my first year in college, so wish me luck!

Oh yes, lots of luck to you. I am sure you will do just fine. So, tell us a little about your book. 

It's a collection of thoughts and feelings, pure and sincere. All of us are characters in this. It has been written from a teenager’s view on the world and its constituents. After all, the world hasn’t seen how a teenager has seen it. I’ve tried to expose the intricate web of feelings that teenagers come across. The book has three parts – Poems; Quotes, Musings and Open Letters; and Stories. Poems are raw and reflect the feelings of the author vividly. The section of Quotes, Musings and Open Letters is inspiring and thought provoking, something that we all can ponder over. Short-stories concentrate on the creation of mood keeping in mind the storyline.

Intriguing. Where did the idea for this book come from? 

The fact that we see so much, yet overlook so much is something that makes me want to capture whatever I can in my words. I know a lot of people will probably overlook something beautiful, and if I can make them experience it through my words, I'll be happy.

Is there a message behind your book that you’re trying to convey to folks?

There are as many messages as one wants to take away from the book. There are innumerable areas to read between the lines. Basically, it's your wish what you want to take away from it.

That sounds about as wide open as they come! Who or what are some of your biggest influences?

I've said this earlier, everything that I see, hear, feel, it's all influence. On top of that, I did take inspiration from Amish's writing style for the author's note in the book.

Tell us what are you currently reading?

A Princess Remembers by Gayatri Devi. It's a beautiful book.

Are you working on another novel? Can you tell us anything about it?

There are two in particular that I'm working on. Both of them involve complexities of human emotions with female protagonists. That's all they have in common. For the rest of it, I guess you'll have to come back when either of them is released.

If you could be anything, what would you be?
I believe I'd be a queen of the yesteryear. I do have a soft spot for royalty, as pretty much everyone does. 

If I were to make a biopic on you, who would you like to play your role?

I'm only 18, there's a long way to go, hopefully. But since you're asking, I guess Warina Hussain or Pankhuri Awasthy Rode.

Well, Chaitali, thanks for stopping by and chatting with me today. It’s been fun getting to know you and talking about your book. I wish you the best at college and your writing career!

Thank you so much for having me. It was amazing and refreshing. I would like to chat with you again. Let's hope you do meet me on the release of my next.

CHAITALI NATH

Chaitali Nath was born in 2002 in Kolkata in a doctor’s family. She is a student of Delhi Public School, Siliguri. She loves sincerity, punctuality, honesty and simplicity in life. She likes reading, listening to music, study of religions, nature and tries to find beauty in whatever life has to offer.